Key controlled, combination changing, permutation locks



Sept. 4, 1962 D. J. #ooTE ETAL 3,052,114

KEY CONTROLLED, COMBINATION CHANGING, PERMUTATION LOCKS Filed June 23,1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ;mi;ii::iw1

ATTORNEZS'.

Sept. 4, 1962 D. J. FOOTE ETAL 3,052,114

KEY CONTROLLED, COMBINATION CHANGING, PERMUTATION LOCKS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed June 23, 1960 19. 7' ONE 1%.50. E t94;ii.

United States Patent 3,tl52,1l4 KEY CONTROLLED, CGMRINATION CHANGING,PERMUTATION LOCKS Daniel J. Foote, Wauwatosa, and Nathan L. Berkowitz,

Whitefish Bay, Wis., assignors to Master Lock Company, Milwaukee, Wis, acorporation of Wisconsin Filed June 23, 1960, Ser. No. 38,260 Claims.(Cl. 70-315) This invention relates to improvements in key controlled,combination changing, permutation locks.

Wherever key controlled permutation locks are used for lockers and thelike, it is possible to open one or all of the locks in a series oflockers by the user dialing the pre-assigned combination for hisindividual locker, or one or all of the locks may be opened by theschool principal, factory foreman, or other custodian using a master orcontrol key that will fit the particular lock, and all of the otherlocks in the group or installation, without the necessity of dialingeach lock. However, as school terms or semesters end and studentsgraduate, or employees leave a factory or plant, and as other usersshift or change, then periodically the lockers may be re-assigned toother users. In practice, it has been found very desirable from aprotection viewpoint, at the time of such new term, shift, period orsemester to be able to change the combination of each locker lockwhereby the prior user, no longer using the particular locker on whichthe lock is installed, cannot later have access thereto throughknowledge of the combination formerly used on the locker lock. It hasbeen possible, with conventional permutation locks, to change thecombinations by altering the positions or relationship of the dials tothe tumbler discs by either releasing the dials or by moving the same auniform multiple of numbers away to start a new combination series.These prior arrangements, however, involved either removing the lockerlock entirely, or the use of special tools, keys or instruments todisengage the dials and reset the new combinations, such proceduresbeing very complicated and time consuming, and requiring that anexperienced person follow detailed instructions in effecting thecombination changes.

With the foregoing in mind it is, therefore, a general object of theinvention to provide an improved key controlled permutation locker lockhaving a novel key controlled mechanism for changing the combination ofthe lock, such mechanism being of simplified and sturdy construction andsusceptible of being quickly manipulated by an unskilled person.

Another object of the invention is to provide a permutation lock havinga novel combination changer controlled by operation of a master keywhereby the combination of the lock can be quickly and easily changedwithout the necessity of removing the lock and dial assembly to resetthe dial and discs.

Another object of this invention is to provide a key controlledpermutation locker lock with a key operated combination changermechanism which lock can be opened by the individual user dialing theassigned combination, or by an authorized oflicial or custodian usingthe proper control key without dialing, the arrangement furthermorepermitting an authorized person to subsequently, through a manipulationof the control key, to thereafter easily change the combination to anyof a plurality of pre-assigned different combinations, so that a prioruser no longer using the particular locker on which this lock isinstalled, cannot thereafter have access thereto by dialing thecombination formerly assigned or used on the particular locker lock.

A still further object of the invention is to provide, in a keycontrolled permutation lock, a control key operated ice mechanism forpermitting the change of the combination, which combination changingmechanism eliminates the possibility of making any errors, since themechanism permits a return to the starting point or the originalassigned combination.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved key controlledpermutation lock having a novel combination changer equipped with akey-operated cylinder in the rear of the lock case operating the lockmechanism, whereby, when the locker door is opened by use of a specialcontrol or master key, the combination can be easily changed without thenecessity of removing the lock and dial assembly.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide, in a lock of theclass described having a rotatable combination dial containing arecessed cylinder plug, a one piece lock casing housing in its rearportion a cylinder which is controlled by an elongated control key,permitting a school ofiicial or other locker custodian having custody ofthe key to easily change the combination of the lock to any of a numberof other combinations, Without removing or disassembling the lock orusing special tools to reset the dial and tumbler discs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved keycontrolled permutation lock having a novel key-type combination changerwherein the key-operated cylinder is in the rear of the lock case,instead of being forwardly in the dialing knob, with the result that thecylinder is hidden behind the tumbler discs of the lock rendering ittamperproof and inaccessible for picking, pounding or tampering.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in an improved keycontrolled permutation locker lock, a recessed and extended cylinder andplug assembly under spring tension but capable of being horizontallymoved when operated by a special control key to affect a combinationchanging mechanism, thus allowing an authorized person to operate theproper control key to open the lock and locker door, whereupon a forwardpull on the key while it remains in the plug and cylinder will cause thedisengagement of a notched disc driver plate which, followed by aturning of the dial, renders it easy to change the combination numbersof the lock to other pre-assigned numbers for dialing, since therelationship between the dial and tumbler discs has been changed by suchoperations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a keytype movablecylinder assembly combination changer for a controlled permutationlocker lock wherein the combination of the lock can be changed by use ofthe control key and a manual push and pull action imparted thereto whilein the keyway of the lock, without disassembling the lock.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a permutation lockcombination changer which will permit the change to newly assignedcombinations that may be staggered, scrambled and unrelated to a uniformmultiple of numbers away from the original combination of the lock.

A further object of the invention is to provide a key controlled,combination changing permutation lock especially adapted for lockers andthe like, and which is of simple and rugged construction, is easy toassemble, operate and effect combination changes, is tamperproof, isneat and attractive in appearance, and is well adapted for the purposesdescribed.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists of theimproved key controlled, combination changing permutation lock, and itsparts and combinations as set forth in the claims, and all equivalentsthereof.

In the accompanying drawings in which the same reference charactersindicate the same parts in all of the views:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front view of a locker door equipped with theimproved key controlled, combination changing permutation lock;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through a portion of alocker door and the improved lock as installed therein showing the partsin locked condition and prior to such turning movement of the key aswill permit changing the combination of the lock;

FIG. 4 is a similar enlarged vertical sectional view only showing theunlocked condition of the lock so that the combination changingmechanism is in condition to be operated to eifect a change of thecombination;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the internal back plate of the lock;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the disc driver plate;

FIG. 7 is a face view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a face view of a hubbed first tumbler disc;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view thereof taken on line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the stepped cylinder plug and plug extension;

FIG. 11 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 12 is aface view of a locking slide guide and cylinder retainerplate;

FIG. 13 is an edge view thereof;

' FIG. 14 is a face view of a spacer washer;

FIG. 15 is an edge view thereof; and

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary front view of a locker door equipped with theimproved key controlled, combination changing permutation lock onlyshowing the door opening in the direction opposite to that disclosed inFIG. 1.

While the improved key controlled, combination changing permutation lockis susceptible of broader applica- 'tion, in its preferred environmentthe locks may be incorporated in the hinged doors of a series ofidentical lockers such as are used in schools, factories and publicbuildings where some official or custodian may have possession of amaster key which controls the opening of one or all of the locks in saidgroup of lockers, should it be expedient or necessary for the oflicialto open one or more of the locks without the necessity of dialing thediiferent combinations of the individual lockers. Furthermore, at anygiven period, after the custodian has opened the lock of one or more ofthe lockers in the series he may, through a simple operation, cause thecombinations of any selected locks to be changed.

By way of illustration, and with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2of the drawings, it will appear that the numeral 20 indicates the hingeddoor of a standard locker 21 of the type mentioned. The locker 21 andthe latch mechanism for the door are of standard construction so onlycertainfeatures thereof will be briefly described.

Within the vertical margin of the free edge of the locker door 20 thereis mounted a vertically reciprocating latching bar 22 which is adaptedto be raised and lowered to bring the upper shoulder of a slot 23 intoand out of latching engagement with a latch dog 24 fixedly mounted on aframe portion of the locker adjacent the vertical margin of the dooropening. Said latch dog carries resilient door stop bumpers 25. On theexterior of the locker door 20 adjacent the free vertical margin thereofis mounted an operating handle 26 having tongue portions 27 integraltherewith which extend through slots 2.3 in the face of the door 20 andare secured to the latching bar 22. Consequently, when the permutationlock installed in the locker door, and which will be described in detailhereinafter, is unlocked, the handle 26 may be lifted vertically toraise the latching bar 22 and disengage the top shoulder of the slot 23from the latching dog 24, whereby the locker door is free to be swung toopen position.

The improved key controlled, combination changing permutation lock isindicated generally by the numeral 29 and it is mounted on a face of thelocker door 20 adjacent the free vertical margin thereof and above thelatch operating handle 26, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Portions of thelock extend through an opening therefor in the locker door 20. The lockcasing 30 is in practice secured adjacent the inner face of the door 20and carries certain internal mechanism which controls a lock bolt 31which projects through a vertical slot 32 in the locker door latchingbar 22 and, depending upon the position of the lock bolt 31 relative tothe ends of the slot 32, said lock bolt will block or permit verticalreciprocation of the locker door latching bar 22, the lock bolt 31 beingreciprocatable vertically within said slot 32 when certain of theinternal mechanism of the lock is operated. The permutation lock 29includes a knurled knob 33 which projects outwardly from the outer faceof the locker door 20 and which has formed integral therewith a largergraduated dial 34 operatively overlying an outer face portion of thedoor 20. The combined knob and dial 3334 is mounted in the manner shownand described in the Stahl et al. copending application, Serial No.10,760, filed February 24, 1960.

The dial mounting assembly includes an escutcheon plate 37 which carriesa decorative overlay and which covers and renders inaccessible the headsof certain securing bolts 39.

The numeral 42 (see FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7) designates a notched discdriver and combination setting plate or connector which can beprearranged in a variety of circularly advanced positions so that aselected pair of diametrically opposed notches 41 therein will engage apair of diametrically opposed semi-circular lugs 40 formed on a ringsurrounding an opening 43 in the inner end of the knob and dialassembly, all as was described in said copending Stahl et al.application, but in the instant embodiment the knob opening 43 is ofconsiderably greater depth than the thickness of the plate 42 wherebythe plate 42, under conditions hereinafter to be described, may movefrom the lug engaging position of FIG. 3 to the lug disengaging positionof FIG. 4 and in so doing, a confined coiled spring 44, within thedialing knob is compressed. Also, the notched plate 42 is formed with acentral circular opening 45 therein on diametrically opposite margins ofwhich there are a pair of inwardly directed, transversely curved fingers46 at right angles to the plane of the plate 42, and which engagesurface portions of the reduced forward part 47a of a stepped cylinderplug and plug extension 47, shown in detail in FIGS. 10 and 11 and whichis mounted axially in the casing 30 and knob and dial assembly. Thecompressible confined coiled spring 44 surrounds a collar t8 which iscarried by a portion of the plug part 47a within the hollow portion ofthe dialing knob 33.

The stepped cylinder plug and plug extension 47 also includes a portion47b immediately inwardly of the outermost portion 47a and of slightlylarger diameter. Adjoining the portion 47b to the right thereof relativeto the drawings, is a pin tumbler cylinder 47c surrounded by a cylindershell 49. The latter has an integral laterally extending flange 50housed within the hollow rear extension portion 30' of the lock casingand held against rotation by bifurcations 51 extending rearwardly from alock slide guide and a cylinder retaining plate 52.

The stepped cylinder plug and plug extension has therein a longitudinalkeyway or slot 53- (see FIGS. 5 and 10) to receive a specially formedand extremely elongated master or control key 54. The master or controlkey 54', when inserted into the keyway or slot 53 in the plug member 47can turn said plug member and its extensions and the notched portions ofthe key will register with the pin tumblers in the cylinder extension ofthe member 47, in a manner well known in the art. The intermediateportion 47b of the plug member 47 is surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve70 which is secured fast to a back plate 61. Said sleeve 70 rotatabiycarries thereon a plurality of tumbler discs 55 and 55a separated bywashers, the disc 55a being shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and 9 and beingthe tumbler disc furthest toward the left relative to FIGS. 3 and 4. Allof the tumbler discs, of course, are formed with notches or fences. Thefirst tumbler disc 55a has a hub portion 56 having diametrically opposedslots 57 therein which extend within the opening in a spacer washer 58and are engaged, when the lock is in the condition of FIG. 3, by thecurved fingers 46 carried by the disc driver plate 42.

It should be understood from the description thus far given that whenthe lock parts are in the condition shown in FIG. 3 with the key 54removed, the permutation mechanism, which is one means of controllingthe lock bolt 31, may be operated by dialing the correct combination.This is done by turning the dialing knob 33 which, through theconnection of the lugs 40 with preselected disc driver plate notchesimparts rotative movement to the tumbler discs 55a and 55 by theengagement of the fingers 46 with the slotted hub portion 56 of thetumbler disc 55a. Then, through the means described in the Stahl, et a1.copending application, Serial No. 10,760 filed February 24, 1960,

a locking slide 59 is retracted from its holding engagement with a leverretaining bar, whereby the locker door latching bar 22 may bereciprocated upwardly through a manual operation of the handle 26, whichmovement also shifts the lock bolt 31 upwardly in the latching bar slot32. The locker door may thus be opened. The locking slide guide andcylinder retaining plate 52 mounted within the rear of the main portionof the lock casing 30 is shown in detail in FIGS. 12 and 13 and isdished so as to slidably receive therewithin the locking slide 59.Forwardly of the locking slide 59 and mounted fast on the portion 47b ofthe plug 47 to turn therewith, is a cam 60* which normally occupies theposition shown in FIG. 3.

It will be appreciated from the description thus far that the improvedpermutation lock is of the type which can be opened by a properoperation of the permutation mechanism through turning of the dialingknob 33 to the correct combination, or by insertion of the master key 54into the cylinder plug and plug extension 47 and turning of the same tooperate the lock bolt 31 in the manner described in said copending Footeet al. application, Serial No. 15,196, filed March 15, 1960. A wasmentioned, the present invention is concerned primarily with themechanism which will permit the combination of the lock to be changedthrough insertion in the cylinder plug of the master or control key 54.For this purpose, the key 54 is inserted in the manner shown in FIG. 3and in this condition, the arrangement of the parts is as is illustratedin said view with the coiled spring 44 exerting an expansive forceagainst the notched disc driver plate 42 with the fingers 46 of thelatter engaging the slotted collar 56 of the first tumbler disc 55a. Thespacer washer 58 and the washers interposed between the tumbler discs 55and 55a serve to keep the tumbler discs in operating position withclearance for free operation. It was previously mentioned that theportion 47b of the plug member 47 carries fast thereon a cam 60. Withinthe lock casing 30 is a flanged internal back plate 61, previouslymentioned, which is shown in detail in FIG. 5. Said back plate has arearwardly projecting protuberance 62 extruded therefrom and which ispositioned adjacent the high side of the cam 60 when the cam is in theunturned position of FIG. 3 and which will then prevent axial movementof said cam and the parts associated therewith toward the left relativeto FIG. 3. It might be observed at this point that when the cylinder 49and other mechanism of the lock are operated by a turning movement ofthe inserted key 54 to by-pass the permutation mechanism, the notcheddisc driver plate 42 remains relatively rearwardly in the deep opening43 therefor in the rear end of the knob and dial assembly, and the cam60 remains substantially rearwardly of the main surface portion of theback plate 61. When the lock is to be released without dialing, theinserted key 54 is turned a quarter revolution in a clockwise directionrelative to FIG. 1. This also then turns the cam 60 a quarter of arevolution which removes the high side of the cam from adjacency withthe protuberance 62 on the back plate, and causes the high side of thecam to bear against the shouldered end portion of the locking slide 59which resiliently retracts the locking slide from its engagement with alever locking bar (not shown), and permits the lock bolt 31 to bereleased, all as is explained in the Foote et al. copending application,Serial No. 15,196, filed March 15, 1960.

At this stage, the combination of the lock may be changed throughadditional manipulations which are controlled by a rectilinear outwardwithdrawal of the key 54 while it is still inserted in the plug member47. An outward pull on the key 54 while it is in the turned positionwill move the entire plug and cylinder assembly 47 toward the leftrelative to FIG. 3 so that the disc driver plate 42 occupies the forwardposition of FIG. 4 within the knob recess 43 and compresses the spring44 leaving a space 71 at the rear of the cylinder plug and shell. At thesame time the fingers 46 on the plate 42 slide Within the slotted hub ofthe first tumbler disc 55a. Therefore, the dialing knob is disconnectedfrom the combination setting plate 42. The cam 69, having its high sideremoved from the protuberance 62 moves forwardly against the surfaceportion of the back plate 61, as shown in FIG. 4. The forward movementof the disc driver and combination setting plate 42, which is looselymounted on the portion 47a of the plug, is caused by engagement of theannular shoulder 63 at the forward end of the plug section 47b with thefree ends of the fingers 46. Then, the dialing knob 33 may be manuallyrotated to new positions relative to the gates or notches in the tumblerdiscs 55 and 55a whereupon the pull on the key 54 may be released or thekey may be pushed inwardly and the parts will return to the position ofFIG. 3 because of the expansion of the spring 44. Different notches inthe periphery of the disc driver plate 42 will then be engaged with theknob carried lugs 40. This readjustment mean that the dialing knob 33will have to be turned through a new set of dialing numbers orgraduations to control the permuta tion mechanism and permit the lock tobe released through the new or changed combination.

After the combination is changed in the manner described a rotation ofthe key 54 in a counterclockwise direction will turn the plug member 47in a direction to bring the high side of the cam 60 into adjacency withthe protuberance 62 on the back plate 61 to maintain the parts in theoperative condition of FIG. 3, because axial movement of the plug unit47 and parts carried thereby is prevented. Upon removal of the key 54after it has been turn back, the lock is in condition to be operatedthrough dialing the changed combination.

By reference to FIGS. 5 and 11 it will be observed that an enlargedportion of the plug unit 47 is formed with a pair of opposed flattenedsurfaces 64. These flat surfaces are for the purpose of keeping the cam60 in register with the plug and inserted key because they fit intocorresponding flats in the cam 60. The broken line showing of the cam 60in FIG. 5 illustrates it in its locked position.

As will be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the first tumbler disc 55a carries,near its periphery, a rearwardly projecting protuberance 65 which cancontact and overlap a protuberance in the next adjacent tumbler disc 55to effect a driving connection, and the same arrangement occurs asbetween the last-mentioned disc 55 and the disc 55 thereadjacent.

Insofar as the principles of the present invention are concerned, thedirection of opening of the locker door and the consequent positioningand direction of the lock applied thereto, are immaterial. In FIGS. 1and 2 the locker door is illustrated as one which is hinged along itsright-hand margin and the lock is applied to the opposite margin of thedoor. However, FIG. 16 illustrates a locker or cabinet door which opensin a reverse direction, and the lock applied thereto has its bolt andmechanism reversed over that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Although the lock mechanism is a master key controlled permutation lockand is, therefore, susceptible of being opened through the dialing ofthe correct combination or through the use of a master key, itincorporates a simple accessible mechanism which, when the master key isinserted in the plug unit 47 and turned, removes. the high side of thecam 60 from its blocked position and permits an axial movement of theplug unit and parts carried thereby through a pull imposed on the key54. This disengages the knob carried combination setting plate 42whereupon turning movements of the dial knob will result in an alteredposition of said plate relative to the knob lugs 40 after the plug unit47 is pushed axially back to its normal position, whereby a changedcombination results. Thus, the combination of the lock is easily changedthrough the use of the control key and a manual push and pull actionimparted thereto While the key is in the keyway of the lock plug. Thecombination changing is effected without in any manner disassembling thelock, nor need the lock or knob be loosened. The key operated cylindershell 470, being in the rear of the lock casing instead of in the knob,cannot be readily reached by a tamperer and it is unlikely that blows onthe dialing knob will affect the cylinder or its operation. The uniquetype of control or master key utilized serves a dual purpose. Itfunctions to open the lock without dialing and for use in effectingcombination changes. Additionally, the unusual elongated key isdiificult to imitate or duplicate.

The numbers assigned for a given combination in the improved lock arescrambled with the result that a tamperer cannot easily determine theplan or code in effect. The newly assigned combinations need not beuniform multiples of numbers added to or substracted from the originalcombination and the combinations may be changed to many rearrangedstaggered combinations.

The improved key controlled, combination changing permutation lock,especially suited for lockers, cabinets and the like, is easy toassemble and install, is strong, durable and tamper-proof, may be easilyand expeditiously handled or operated by an unskilled person and is welladapted for the purposes described.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. In combination, a lock casing, a dialing knob rotatably associatedtherewith, lock bolt movement controlling mechanism within said casing,permutation mechanism for operating said lock bolt movement controllingmechanism within the lock casing, a key receiving plug, means axiallyshiftably and rotatably mounting the plug in the casing with an endportion of the plug extending coaxially into the dialing knob, thelatter having an opening therein to permit the insertion of a key intothe plug, means, including the plug, forming an operating connectionbetween the dialing knob and permutation mechanism, other means moved bya key turned operation of the plug for also operating said lock boltmovement controlling mechanism, and meanswithin the casing and remotefrom the dialing knob, released by a key turned opera-tion of the plugto normally prevent axial movement thereof, an axial shift of the plugin one direction When said means is released breaking the operatingconnection between the dialing knob and permutation mechanism to permita rearrangement of the same for combination changing purposes.

2. In combination, a lock casing, a lock bolt, lock bolt controllingmechanism within the casing, a dialing knob rotatably associated withsaid casing, permutation mechanism within the lock casing for operatingsaid lock bolt controlling mechanism, a key receiving plug, meansaxially shiftably and rotatably mounting the plug in the casing with anend portion of the plug extending into the dialing knob and turnablerelative thereto, the knob having an opening therein to permit theinsertion of 'a key into the plug, spring means normally biasing theplug inwardly, said lock bolt controlling mechanism being operated bykey turned movements of the plug, means including the plug, forming anoperating connection between the dialing knob and permutation mechanismwhen said plug is biased inwardly, and means released by a key turnedoperation of the plug to normally prevent axial movement thereof, anaxial pull of the plug in an outward direction when said means isreleased by a key turned operation of the plug breaking the operatingconnection between the dialing knob and permutation mechanism to permita rearrangement of the same for combination changing purposes, operationof said plug both for operation of said lock bolt controlling mechanismand for combination changing being accomplished by the same key.

3. In combination, a lock casing, a dialing knob rotatably associatedtherewith, lock bolt controlling mechanism within the casing,permutation mechanism within the lock casing for operating the lock boltcontrolling mechanism, a key receiving cylinder plug, means axiallyshiftably and rotatably mounting the plug in the casing with an endportion of the plug extending into the dialing knob, the latter havingan opening therein to permit the insertion of a key into the plug,spring means normally biasing the plug inwardly, a plate carried by theplug and selectively engageable with the dialing knob, said plate andplug forming an operating connection between the dialing knob andpermutation mechanism when said plug is biased inwardly, other meansoperated by a key turned movement of the plug for operating the lockbolt controlling mechanism independently of the permutation mechanism, aprotuberance within the casing, and a projection carried by an innerportion of said plug and normally registering with said protuberance toprevent axial movement of the plug, the plug, when turned by an insertedkey, also removing said projection from asid protuberance and permittingthe plug to be pulled axially outwardly to break the operatingconnection between the dialing knob and permutation mechanism bydisengaging the plug-carried plate from the dialing knob whereby arearrangement of the engagement between the plate and knob may beeffected for combination changing purposes.

4. In a lock having lock bolt controlling means including permutationmechanism and a key operated mechanism, the latter including anelongated axially shiftable and turnable key-receiving plug and thepermutation mechanism including an anchored sleeve with tumbler discsoperatively mounted thereon,'the plug being axially shiftably androtatably mounted in the sleeve in response to movement manually appliedto a key inserted in said plug, a turnable dialing knob, and a connectorcarried by said plug and selectively adjustably engaging the dialingknob and engageable with the tumbler discs to provide a drivingconnection between the dialing knob and tumbler discs, axial shifting ofthe plug by an applied key disengaging said connector from the dialingknob whereby the relationship of the dialing knob to the connector maybe varied for combination changing purposes when the knob is turned andthe plug is shifted axially to its original posit1on to re-connect theconnector with the dialing knob and tumbler discs.

5. In a key controlled combination lock formed with a casing havingtherein lock bolt controlling means including tumbler discs and a keyoperated mechanism, the latter including an elonagted key-receivingplug, a sleeve mounting the plug within the casing for key actuatedturning movement and for axial movement when a pull is imposed on theplug inserted key to shift the plug in said sleeve from an innerposition to an outer position,

spears a the tumbler discs being operatively mounted on the sl eve, aturnable dialing knob, and a connector carried by said plug andselectively adjustably engaging the dialing knob and engaging thetumbler discs to provide a driving connection between the dialing knoband tumbler discs, an axial shift of the plug from its inner to itsouter position after it has been turned by an inserted key disconnectingsaid connector from the dialing knob whereby the relationship of thedialing knob to the connector may be selectively altered for combinationchanging urposes when the knob is turned and the plug is re-shiftedaxially to its original inner position to re-connect the connector withthe dialing knob, the key which is inserted in the plug functioning toturn the plug for operating the lock bolt controlling means and tothereafter shift the plug axially for combination changing purposes.

6. In a lock having a casing with permutation mechanism includingtumbler discs housed therewithin, a cupped dialing knob rotatablyassociated with the casing and having an opening in its outer end, asleeve anchored within the casing, a key-receiving cylinder plugrotatably mounted in the sleeve with an end portion thereof inregistration with the outer end opening in the dialing knob forinsertion of a control key, said sleeve operatively carrying the tumblerdiscs, the plug being axially shiftable in the sleeve from its normalinner position to an outer position when turned, a disc driver platerotatably mounted on the plug adjacent a tumbler disc, the disc driverplate and dialing knob having cooperative registering means forefitecting a pre-selected driving connection between the knob and driverplate when the plug is in its normal inner position, said plate havingmeans to drivingly engage the tumbler discs, and stop means connectedwith the inner end portion of the plug for normally blocking axialmovement of the plug but movable to an inoperative position when theplug is turned by an inserted key whereby the plug may be pulled axiallyoutwardly to disengage the driver plate from the dialing knob permittingthe combination of the permutation mechanism to be changed through aturning of the dialing knob followed by an axial shift of the plug backto its normal inner position.

7. In combination, a lock casing, a dialing knob rotatably associatedtherewith, permutation mechanism within the lock casing, an elongatedkey receiving plug extending into the casing and having a pin cylinderon its inner end, means axially shiftably and rotatably mounting theplug in the casing with a forward end portion of the plug extending intothe dialing knob, the latter having an opening therein to permit theinsertion of a key into the plug, spring means normally biasing the pluginwardly, a dis: driver plate carried by the plug and selectivelyconnectable with the dialing knob, said plate and plug forming anoperating connection between the dialing knob and permutation mechanismwhen said plug is biased inwardly, a protuberance within the casing, anda cam carried by an inner end portion of said plug and normallyregistering with said protuberance to prevent axial movement of theplug, the plug, when turned by an inserted key, removing said cam fromsaid protuberance and permitting the plug to be pulled axially outwardlyby said inserted key to break the operating connection between thedialing knob and permutation mechanism by disengaging the disc driverplate from the dialing knob whereby a rearrangement of the engagementbetween said plate and the knob may be efiected for combination changingpurposes.

8. A key controlled, combination changing permutation lock comprising, alock casing, a dialing knob rotatably associated therewith, a sleeveanchored within the casing, permutation mechanism. including notchedtumbler discs within the lock casing, a key receiving shouldered plughaving a pin cylinder on its inner end, the plug being axially shiftablyand rotatably mounted in the sleeve with a forward end portion of theplug rotatably and axially shiftably extending into the dialing knob,the latter having an opening therein to permit the insertion of a keyinto the plug, said tumbler discs beirn operatively mounted on saidsleeve, spring means normally biasing the plug axially inwardly, a discdriver plate carried by the plug and selectively connectable with thedialing knob, said plate and plug forming an operating connectionbetween the dialing knob and permutation mechanism when said plug isbiased inwardly, a protuberance within the casing, and a cam carried byan inner portion of said plug and normally registering with saidprotuberance to prevent outward axial movement of the plug, the plug,when turned by an inserted key, turning said cam free of saidprotuberance and permitting the plug to be pulled axially outwardly bythe inserted key to break the operating connection between the dialingknob and permutation mechanism by disengaging the disc driver plate fromthe dialing knob whereby a rearrangement of the engagement between saidplate and the knob may be effected for combination changing purposes.

9. In a lock having a movable lock bolt, permutation mechanism formoving said lock bolt including: tumbler discs operatively connectedwith said lock bolt moving mechanism, a dialing knob, an axiallyshiftable and turnable elongated cylinder plug, a disc driver platecarried by said cylinder plug adjacent to and engaged with a tumblerdisc, the disc driver plate being selectively connected with the dialingknob whereby the disc driver plate will transmit rotation from thedialing knob to the tumbler discs when engaged with the same andaccording to a preselected combination, said plate and dialing knobbeing formed with complementary meansfor varying the point of angularengagement between the two; independent key operated mechanism includingsaid cylinder plug for moving said lock bolt; and means controlled bythe turning of the cylinder plug through a key inserted therein foreffecting an axial movement of the plug and plate to disengage the platefrom the dialing knob whereby an angularly varied re-engagement betweensaid dialing knob and driver plate may be efiected for changing thecombination of the lock permutation mechanism.

10. in combination, a lock casing, a dialing knob rotatably associatedtherewith, lock bolt movement controlling mechanism within said casing,permutation mechanism for operating said lock bolt movement controllingmechanism within the lock casing, a key receiving plug, means axiallyshiftably and rotatably mounting the plug in the casing with an endportion of the plug extending co-axially into the dialing knob, thelatter having an opening therein to permit the insertion of a key intothe plug, the plug being axially movable from a first inner position toa second outer position, means, including the plug, forming an operatingconnection between the dialing knob and permutation mechanism when saidplug is in said first position, and means disengaging the operatingconnection between the dialing knob and the permutation mechanism. whenthe plug is turned and axially shifted to said second position by a keyapplied thereto, whereby a rearrangement of the permutation mechanismcan be efifected for combination changing purposes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS513,764 Cooper Jan. 30, 1894 2,081,123 Stone May 18, 1937 2,112,982Brauning Apr. 5, 1938 2,167,205 Heyer July 25, 1939 2,424,396 Heyer July22, 1947

